Block judges slam couple’s first room ‘fail’

One of this year’s Block couples copped a brutal dressing down from the judges during the very first show of the season.

One of this year’s Block couples copped a “brutal” dressing down from the judges during the very first show of the season on Sunday night.

Childhood sweethearts Steph, an architect, and Gian, a start-up worker, proudly told the cameras in episode one that they dress exclusively in shades of cream and beige.

It seems those muted tones will extend to their taste in interiors this season … even when tasked with creating a Toy Story-themed kid’s room.

Steph and Gian copped a hiding from the judges.

All five teams were given the same challenge in Sunday’s premiere, asked to design a children’s room, using an item of Disney merchandise as styling inspiration. The winner would be given their pick of the five Hampton houses they’ll renovate this season.

When time came to show the results, the judges walked through an icy Frozen-themed room, an intergalactic Star Wars room, an impressive castle-inspired room … and Steph and Gian’s Toy Story room, which looked more like a tastefully decorated hotel suite.

A board game on the coffee table and a Buzz Lightyear figure on a high shelf were the only hints that it was, in fact, supposed to be a child’s bedroom.

Lookin’ like Disneyland up in here.

Despite Steph and Gian’s protests that they’d created a room for a child to “grow into,” it was clear they’d missed the brief – and the judges let them have it.

“We’ve seen contestants before forget a brief and then do what they want,” said Scott Cam, relaying their feedback “But this is next level.”

“The fact you’re not listening to the brief … what are you presenting to us? I mean, it’s not even a kid’s room,” said Shaynna Blaze, who noted a rope ladder positioned against one wall was “just useless.”

Yeah … Shaynna's not loving it.

Neale Whittaker? More like Neale S**t-talker

Fellow judge Neale Whittaker said that, being an architect, Steph “should know how to meet a brief.”

Pointing to a lamp in the room, he joked that they must’ve misinterpreted the “Buzz Lightyear” brief as “Bad Lightshade” – a zinger that got a shocked response when it was relayed to the contestants.

“Oh my god … that is so brutal,” they said.

“The brief was to create a kid’s room. If they were thinking they’d take a bit of a punt and show the judges they’re sophisticated and grown up, and we’d walk in and be wowed … FAIL,” Whittaker continued.

All the joy and colour of a Pixar classic!

In the end, Steph and Gian came dead last, with a score of just 14 out of 30, while Leah and Ash almost doubled that score, winning with 27 points out of 30 for their adorable castle-themed room.

While it was a rocky start to the season for at least one couple, Block hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft were both insistent this season would strike a more positive tone as they did the publicity rounds last week.

Last year’s season – the show’s first to film in a rural area – was marred by extreme elements, remote locations, and miserable contestants.

“It was just tough conditions. Our crew carrying cameras 300 metres between houses, in mud, in the middle of nowhere … morale was low within the crew, including me,” Cam told 2DAY FM’s Hughesy, Ed & Erin.

“But this year’s been fantastic – we’re back. There’s a footpath to walk between [the houses]! Great contestants, great location, great weather – it’s reinvigorated everyone.”